Antibodies Against Laminin-1 and Sperm, Intraacrosomal Proteins in Semen from Infertile Couples

Abstract

Seminal sperm-agglutinating antibodies along with IgG antibodies against laminin-1 and intraacrosomal sperm proteins were examined in seventy-one men from infertile couples. The direct mixed antiimmunoglobulin reaction test for IgG, IgA, and the commercial ELISA method for detecting IgG antibodies against laminin-1 in seminal plasma were used. Intraacrosomal proteins in the sperm heads were detected by immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies. Cellular elements other than spermatozoa, collectively referred to as ''round cells'' were also examined. In association with a group of oligoasthenospermatic men, positive levels (44%) of antibodies against laminin-1 of the IgG isotype in seminal plasma were found in conjunction with increased cellularity in semen. Interestingly, the elevated levels of anti-laminin-l IgG and sperm agglutinating positivity were not correlated. The use of antibodies against sperm antigens targeted to adhesive molecules such as laminin-1 contributes to diagnosing reproductive failure. Detection of intraacrosomal proteins very often correlates to the state of semen pathology and inflammation.